Theoretical fundamentals of using the polarized luminescence method for studying the nanosecond dynamics of polymers in solution are presented. The efficiency of using the steady-state polarized luminescence method for studying the relaxation characteristics of synthetic linear polymers and conformational transitions in dilute solutions has been demonstrated. The results of investigating relaxation properties of copolymers of complex architecture by an example of polymer brushes, star-shape polymers and dendrimers in solution are discussed also. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd.